Movie scenes detection with MIGSOM based on shots semi-supervised clustering

The segmentation into scenes helps users to browse movie archives and to select the interesting ones. In a given movie, we have two kinds of scenes: action scenes and non-action scenes. To detect action scenes, we rely on tempo features as motion and audio energy. However, to detect non-action scenes, we have to use the content information. In this paper, we present a new approach to detect non-action movie scenes. The main idea is the use of a new dynamic variant of the self-organizing maps called MIGSOM (Multilevel Interior Growing self-organizing maps) to detect agglomerations of shots in movie scenes. The originality of MIGSOM model lies in its architecture for evolving the structure of the network. The MIGSOM algorithm is generated by a growth process by adding nodes where it is necessary, whether from the boundaries or the interior of the map. In addition, the advantage of the proposed MIGSOM algorithm is their ability to find the best structure of the output space through the training process and to represent better the semantics of the data. Our system is tested on a varied database and compared to the classical SOM and others works. The obtained results show the merit of our approach in term of recall and precision rates and that our assumptions are well founded.     

Strong stabilisation and decay estimate for unbounded bilinear systems

In this article, we deal with distributed bilinear systems, where the operator of control is supposed to be unbounded in the sense that it is bounded from the state space into some extension. Then we give sufficient conditions for strong stabilisation. Also the rate of convergence of the state is estimated. An illustrating example is given.     

Hibiscus cannabinus L. – Kenaf : A Review Paper

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is a valuable fiber and medicinal plant from the Malvaceae family. It is an alternative crop that may be a feasible source of cellulose which is economically viable and ecologically friendly. This plant is cultivated for its fiber although its leaves and seeds have also been used in traditional medicine in India and Africa for the treatment of various disease conditions. Kenaf fibers are commonly used for paper pulp and cordage, but it is also a promising lignocellulosic feedstock for bioenergy production. The kenaf seed oil can be used for cooking and in different industrial applications. The present paper is an overview on its ethnobotanical and phytochemical properties reported in the literature that we have investigated and its great potential as a valuable multipurpose crop due to numerous uses.     

Effect of the preparation method on Au/Ce-Ti-O catalysts activity for VOCs oxidation

Studies concerning the preparation of gold phases dispersed on binary Ce-Ti oxide (Ce_0.3Ti_0.7O₂) were performed in order to elaborate catalysts for total oxidation of VOCs. Solids containing gold, cerium and titanium were synthesized by impregnation and deposition precipitation (DP) method using NaOH, Na₂CO₃ or urea as precipitant agent. These catalysts have been characterized by means of total surface area (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance ultra-violet–visible spectroscopy (DR/UV–vis) and temperature programmed reduction (TPR) and their reactivity towards the oxidation of propene was studied. Thus, it was revealed that the gold-based material prepared by DP method using urea as precipitant agent was the most efficient catalyst towards the total oxidation of propene. Based on the characterisation data, it has been shown that the preparation method has an effect on the catalytic activity.     

A partitioning methodology that optimizes the communication cost for reconfigurable computing systems

This paper focuses on the design process for reconfigurable architecture. Our contribution focuses on introducing a new temporal partitioning algorithm. Our algorithm is based on typical mathematic flow to solve the temporal partitioning problem. This algorithm optimizes the transfer of data required between design partitions and the reconfiguration overhead. Results show that our algorithm considerably decreases the communication cost and the latency compared with other well known algorithms.     

Changes in cisternal compartment based on stage of lactation and time since milk ejection in the udder of dairy cows

Two experiments were conducted to study changes induced by stage of lactation and milk ejection in the cisternal compartment of the udder in dairy cows. In experiment 1, 18 cows grouped according to stage of lactation were used 12 h after milking for measuring alveolar and cisternal milk volumes (by cannula) and cisternal area (by ultrasonography) in the front quarters. Cisternal milk and cisternal area were correlated (r = 0.74 to 0.82) for all stages of lactation. As lactation advanced, volumes of alveolar and cisternal milk and cisternal area decreased. Proportion of cisternal milk varied between stages (early, 33.2%; mid, 23.1%; and late, 42.6%). In experiment 2, 7 cows were used to show return of milk from cisternal to alveolar compartments when milk ejection was induced without milking. Cisternal area was measured before (0 min) and after (3, 15, 30, and 60 min) an i.v. oxytocin (OT) injection administered immediately before normal a.m. and p.m. milking times. Cisternal area increased dramatically from 0 to 3 min (98%) and decreased slowly thereafter. The 0- and 3-min data provide clear evidence of milk ejection, and their difference indicated cistern elasticity. Maximum cisternal area in each cow was similar for the 8- and 16-h milking intervals, indicating that in both cases the cistern was completely full of milk. Decrease in cisternal area after 3 min was significant at 15, 30, and 60 min. Decreased cisternal area was interpreted as the reflux of cisternal milk to the alveolar compartment. We termed this 'cisternal recoil.' In conclusion, ultrasonography was a useful method to evaluate dynamic changes in cisternal milk throughout lactation and after udder stimulation in dairy cows. Evidence exists that udder cisterns decrease when lactation advances and milk returns to the alveolar compartment when cows remain unmilked after milk ejection.     

Deterioration of a Tunisian coastal aquifer due to agricultural activities and possible approaches for better water management

The purpose of this study is to provide a better understanding of the impact of agricultural activities on groundwater quality in a semi‐arid coastal environment (Korba, Tunisia). Impacts have been assessed through groundwater samples that were analysed for a range of chemical and biological parameters. Results indicate that groundwater overexploitation for irrigation and fertiliser use have affected the quality of the groundwater not only by direct contamination but also seawater intrusion. The implementation of appropriate regulatory and economic instruments to foster sustainable practices in the agricultural sector have been analysed within the framework of the EC (European Community) FP6 (funding program 6) INECO (Institutional and Economic Instruments for Sustainable Water Management in the Mediterranean Region) Project. Through stakeholder involvement processes, the project analysed issues relating to the regulation and control of groundwater abstractions, the promotion of wastewater reuse, efficiency improvements in irrigation water use, as well as instruments to strengthen the socioeconomic and institutional environment towards better managing and conserving available groundwater resources.     

Ultrastructural study of the intracellular behavior of four mineral elements in the lactating mammary gland cells: study using conventional transmission electron microscopy

The effects of parenteral injection of aluminum, indium, gadolinium, or terbium in rats have been previously studied in several organs such as the liver, the kidneys, etc., but never in mammary glands. In this work, we have attempted to study the subcellular localization of these elements after their intraperitoneal administration. Their subsequent effects in the lactating mammary gland cells have also been studied. Our results using conventional transmission electron microscopy have shown that the lysosomes of the mammary glandular epithelial cells are the intracellular site of accumulation of the studied elements. Our results have also show intracellular deteriorations such as an expanded ergastoplasm and altered mitochondria after intraperitoneal injection of aluminum and indium.